a day ago
WMass woman who let loose a swarm of bees on deputies a no-show at her trial
SPRINGFIELD — A judge has issued an arrest warrant for a woman who directed a torrent of bees at deputy sheriffs during an eviction on Oct. 12, 2022.
Rebecca 'Rorie' Woods was set to report for trial Tuesday both as a defendant and to represent herself in court. The trial date had been delayed numerous times. Woods, of Hadley, had filed dozens and dozens of motions — many of which maligned the lawyers and judges involved in the case — since the start of the prosecution. She argued on her own behalf at several hearings.
But when the day of reckoning came, Woods was nowhere to be found and had not contacted the court. Prosecutors and witnesses ready to testify waited three hours for Woods to arrive.
Later in the afternoon, a judge issued a 'no bail' arrest warrant, meaning Woods will be held once they locate her and bring her to court.
Woods was not in custody by late afternoon Tuesday, according to law enforcement officials.
The 57-year-old former beekeeper has argued in court that she is being persecuted for an act of civil disobedience and for her rage over the mortgage industry and court system.
On Tuesday afternoon, Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni confirmed the arrest warrant was issued.
'While she remains innocent until proven guilty, the accusations against her are very serious, and we will be prepared to present the evidence that she endangered many employees of the Sheriff's Department who were merely doing their jobs,' Gulluni said.
'She may have delayed justice, but it won't be denied,' he added.
A call to Woods' cell phone was not returned.
Woods, who was known to oppose eviction proceedings, arrived at the $1 million home of Alton King Jr. at 49 Memery Lane in Longmeadow shortly after sheriffs arrived.
Although she argues in court filings she brought her honeybees to enjoy the flower beds at King's house, she quickly began advancing on the deputies with the hives, witnesses said.
One employee required a trip to a hospital in an ambulance after being stung multiple times.
If convicted by a jury, Woods could serve two years in jail.
Read the original article on MassLive.
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